IBM has introduced a blockchain ecosystem to help accelerate the creation of blockchain networks. The blockchain ecosystem program is designed for venture capitalists, start-ups, systems integrators, independent software vendors and enterprise developers.
IBM blockchain professionals will hold “office hours” via the Hyperledger Fabric Slack channel, providing support to developers and help with troubleshooting. This is in addition to the courses and learning modules for business users and developers already available on developerWorks. These will be augmented with code libraries, smart contract templates and tools currently in development to speed the creation of blockchain apps.
The IBM blockchain ecosystem is an open environment where organizations can collaborate on shared or complementary technical and business visions using the Hyperledger Fabric, and access education and development support. Because blockchain is a network business, an environment where all interested parties can share tools, information and relationships is critical. Start-ups, ISVs and SIs are investing in blockchain and have embraced the Hyperledger Fabric. Many companies are already joining the IBM blockchain ecosystem, including:
“The future growth and adoption of blockchain is reliant upon building a strong ecosystem. Business networks will only reach critical mass when innovators, industry experts and infrastructure providers come together in new ways to reinvent how business transactions happen,” said Bridget Van Kralingen, senior vice president for IBM Industry Platforms. “The growing maturity of the Hyperledger Project code is a major milestone. That’s why IBM is investing to help developers accelerate the creation of blockchain networks by providing an environment where these players can work together.”
These programs are designed to support the Linux Foundation Hyperledger Fabric v1.0 and the IBM Blockchain platform, which is expected to help transform the way blockchain networks transact, opening up new possibilities for development. The Hyperledger Fabric v1.0 will provide a modular approach, much like the network-of-networks model of the Internet.
For more information, visit http://ibm.com/blockchain/ecosystem.html.